Jerez de la Frontera
What to taste, visit, and stroll around in such a lively city? Among its wide cultural and leisure offerings, we offer you some premises and key activities that you can include in your Jerez days’ calendar.
What to taste, visit, and stroll around in such a lively city? Among its wide cultural and leisure offerings, we offer you some premises and key activities that you can include in your Jerez days’ calendar.
In the historic center of Jerez, composed of a network of squares and declared an Artistic Historical Ensemble in 1982, all the cultures that converged with the city from its beginnings are still alive: Phoenician, Roman, Muslim, and Christian.
Each square has a different pulse and function: Plaza del Mercado, the current location of the municipal Archaeological Museum, once hosted the local Arab souk; Plaza del Banco, where Andalusia's oldest library is located today, was once home to the Bank of Spain, or Plaza del Arenal, the former stage for tournaments, duels, and bullfights with access to the Monumental Alcázar de Jerez.
Between the mountains and the sea, the location on the map of Jerez de la Frontera allows and ensures fresh produce. Examples of this are the Central Market of Supplies or its restoration, characterized by its original establishment concepts: ‘tabancos’, ‘mostos’, and ‘ventas’.
In addition to flamenco as the soundtrack, they all share the same undisputed protagonist: Jerez wine. Its whites, reds, and rosés are characterized by aging following the traditional system of criaderas and solera. Still, they say there is a Sherry for every taste and occasion; you can discover your favorite by taking the Wine and Brandy Route of the Marco de Jerez or in one of the "cathedrals" of wine in its network of wineries.
Jerez ‘tapas’ will awaken your senses with every ingredient. The nuances of Jerez vinegar will explode in your mouth once you taste the ‘papas aliñás’ and the ‘ajo campero’, with the must made from vineyard’s tomato, will completely intoxicate you. The ‘pocitos’ and the ‘tocino de cielo’ will make you melt with the homemade cream and caramel.
Jerez de la Frontera will leave you amazed with its palace houses, one of the most typical constructions in the province of Cadiz. Families belonging to the upper farmer class and the wine bourgeoisie of the city have left, from what was once their home, true architectural gems full of treasures.
From gala parties in their halls to rest in their gardens and inner courtyards, the palaces of Camporeal, Riquelme, or Petra de la Riva, among others, safeguard a thousand memories that you can imagine as you stroll through them. The old wineries, the finely decorated facades, and the collections of sculptures and books will bring you closer to the city's history since the 16th century, marked by European influences.
The Montes de Propios from Jerez, which extend over more than seven thousand hectares within the protected natural park of Los Alcornocales, host trails and landscapes of incalculable ecological value.
Wetlands, reeds, flamingos... The rich fauna and flora of the lagoons of Los Tollos, Medina, or Torrox, among others, will reveal to you the most natural and free Jerez. Prioritizing its sustainability and protection, this area is open to the public and adapted to activities such as hiking. Don't miss out on discovering the fascinating and valuable natural setting of the city!